“One of my major concerns regarding my resignation is that I don’t want people to think I’m running away from a fight,” Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Bill Vail said when I met with him Tuesday in his Augusta office. “That simply isn’t true. The truth of the matter is I’ve been fighting behind closed doors for quite some time now,” explained the ex-game warden who became commissioner six years ago. His resignation is effective Feb. 28.

“When Gov. McKernan appointed me,” Vail continued, “I knew I was expected to support his administration. Unfortunately, I can’t agree with the governor’s restructuring plans without betraying my department and the sportsmen of Maine. His proposals simply aren’t in the best interests of the department and sportsmen. That’s the reason for my resignation, I hope the people and sportsmen of the state will realize that.”

Who will succeed Vail? That’s the governor’s decision. “I haven’t heard any names mentioned yet,” said the commissioner. “It’s possible the position may not be filled until July. But for now, I’d say Skip Trask, my deputy commissioner, will take the helm. He’s extremely competent and an outstanding administrator.

“Skip took the incentive retirement plan that allows him to draw 80 percent of his salary and full retirement benefits for three years, so he’ll be done after that. I’ll tell you one thing, though, this department will by no means be a ship without a rudder. This place is filled with highly qualified people. They’ve been making me look good for years and they’re more than capable of staying on course.”

Not surprisingly, the rumor mill has been grinding speculative grist regarding Vail’s future. Perhaps you’ve heard he will be named executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the position Tom Nannery resigned last week. “No way,” was Vail’s response to the rumor presented as a question. “The last thing I need now is more turmoil. Besides, there’s a legality barring me from taking a position that includes lobbying legislation right away.

“This may surprise you, but right now my plans are to work in the woods with a friend of mine and collect my thoughts. I like that kind of work, it’s great therapy. Also, I have a young bird dog that’s been training me, so I intend to reverse that situation.”

Aiming directly at the administration’s restructuring proposals, Vail quickly fired at the neglect and low funding of natural resource agencies: “This state’s economy is based on its natural resources. That’s staring these people straight in the face and they refuse to see it. It’s unbelievable. Their attitude regarding this department seems to be that the woods and waters and fish and wildlife will take care of themselves.”

As you know, the DIFW brings in nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars annually to the state, yet it doesn’t draw a nickel from the general fund. But other agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism, derive great financial benefits from recreations related to the DIFW.

Still, attempts to “nickel and dime” the department’s multi-million dollar worth continue. Recently, Gov. McKernan ordered the titles to the department’s vehicles transferred to Central Fleet Management, the newly created state motor pool. Because federal money is involved in purchasing the vehicles, the transfer to another agency may result in the DIFW losing $3.5 million annually in federal aid.

Although the government-restructuring proposal to consolidate the department into an umbrella conservation agency doesn’t appear likely to pass, it hasn’t been declared dead. “They’re still hammering away at it,” said Vail. “If it isn’t defeated, sportsmen won’t support the 20 percent license-fee increase, which will only allow the department to continue operating at its current levels. That in itself will be disastrous.”

The commissioner was outraged by the attempt of the administration to circumvent the constitutional amendment that was passed by an overwhelming 75 percent of the vote during last November’s elections. Earlier in the year, he came close to resigning when $519,000 of the department’s “dedicated” money was transferred to the general fund. Without question, the blatant disregard for the state constitution was a major factor in his decision to resign.

How does Vail view the future of the DIFW? “That depends entirely on the sportsmen of the state,” he said. “They have got to become politically active. They must contact their representatives. It’s amazing how little it takes to influence them. I’ve heard legislators refer to six or eight letters as `overwhelming concern from my constituents.’ With about 350,000 licensed sportsmen in this state, can you imagine the reaction there’d be if only 10 percent contacted their representatives? It would be awesome, and it could be accomplished with a phone call or a few written words.

“Sportsmen have to realize that this entire scenario has become a political process that will be resolved politically. Apple pie and motherhood and Maine traditions no longer have anything to do with it. I intend to be very active in encouraging sportsmen to become politically active. If they don’t they’ll end up with nothing, it’s as plain and simple as that.”

Amen.

During our meeting, Vail received several phone calls from people who expressed regret regarding his resignation, but who emphasized they understood his reasons. As I left his office he was approached by a man, a stranger, who stopped by to wish him well. Although he has resigned his position – “I’ll miss every minute of it,” he admits – for honorable reasons, you can rest assured you’ll be hearing more from Bill Vail. By no means is he running away from this fight.